Ah, Wimbledon. The refreshing English drizzle. The grunting. And, those names! Just like any global sporting event, Wimbledon is a phonetician's dream and tennis announcer's nightmare. As a recent New York Times article points out, poor chair umpire Pascal Maria had to oversee a match between Alex Bogomolov Jr. and Alexandr Doglopolov. No amount of vocal warm-ups could prepare anyone for such a feat.

BBC commentator David Mercer, attending his 39th Wimbledon, told the Times he writes details about each player on an index card, with personal details in ink and phonetic pronunciation in pencil -- sometimes the players take issue with an announcer's pronunciation. When a game gets heated between players with tough names, some announcers will use the nationality (the Slovak, the French) to avoid mistakes.

In the multicultural spirit of Wimbledon, we've put together a list of just some of the most tongue-twisting and mellifluous names umpires and announcers will be faced with at this year's tournament. (Bogomolov and Doglopolov excluded -- those were just an amuse-bouche.)

Stanislas Wawrinka

Wawrinka hails from Switzerland and has played in seven Wimbledon Championships. He holds four career titles, three in singles and one in doubles. He and Roger Federer won the gold medal for Switzerland in the 2008 Summer Olympics men's doubles.

Flavio Cipolla

OK, the Italian player's name isn't that difficult to pronounce. But we just think anyone named Flavio deserves to be on every name list ever from now until eternity.

There are many more Wimbledon names worthy of a plaque in a linguistics lab, and we encourage you to use the tournament as a phonetic warm-up for the London Games, where you'll encounter Irish swimmer Sycerika McMahon, Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva and Indian archer Chekrovolu Swuro.

ThePostGame brings you the most interesting sports stories on the web.

MORE FROM THE WEB

follow

Last month, LaDainian Tomlinson signed a one-day contract to retire as a San Diego Charger. A few days later, Roger Clemens was acquitted on all accounts of obstruction and lying to Congress about the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Meanwhile, the New Jersey State Senate will vote Thursday on a resolution aiming to request that Major League Baseball retire the No. 21 in honor of Roberto Clemente, as they did in 1997 with Jackie Robinson's No. 42.

Besides the involvement of superstar athletes, these stories seem to have little in common -- but by simply scanning the back of their jerseys, you'll find that they all wore the No. 21. And they're not the only sports legends to sport the number:

21. Sammy Sosa

Even with 609 career home runs, a National League MVP, six Silver Slugger Awards and seven All-Star appearances, Sammy Sosa will always have doubt on his legacy because of performance-enhancing accusations. Still, it is impossible to deny the grip he and Mark McGuire had on the country as they chased Roger Maris in 1998.

20. Michel Briere

Briere's story is tragic. He played just one season in the NHL before an automobile accident led to his death in 1970. In that one season, however, he showed flashes of future superstardom. He led the Penguins in team scoring in the playoffs with eight points, including a series-clinching, overtime goal to beat the Oakland Seals and send the Penguins to the second round. He finished that year's playoffs with three game-winning goals.

19. Tiki Barber

Barber, a three-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro, is the Giants' all-time leading rusher (10,449 yards) and sits 23rd on the NFL's all-time rushing list. He rushed for more than 200 yards in a single game five times and holds multiple franchise records for the Giants. He retired while still in his prime, burning some unfortunate bridges within the organization. He attempted a comeback in 2011 but found no suitors.

18. Mike Eruzione

Eruzione was the captain of the gold medal-winning 1980 Olympic hockey team, and scored the winning goal against the Soviet Union in the "Miracle on Ice." He retired after the Olympics, knowing his legend was already secured.

17. David Pearson

Second place in NASCAR history with 105 wins, Pearson, who drove car No. 21 for much of his career, was the Grand National Champion three times and has been inducted to three separate Hall of Fames: The International Motorsports Hall of Fame, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

16. Cammi Granato

Granato was the captain of the Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. hockey team in 1998. In May 2008, she was one of the first women to be inducted into the International Ice Hockey Hall of Fame. Later that year, she was the first women ever inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, and in 2010, she and Angela James were the first ever women inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

15. Paul O'Neill

On Sept. 3, 1985, Paul O'Neill made his debut for the Reds, cracking a single in his first bat. He went on to collect 2,107 hits, 281 home runs and 1,269 RBI, along with a career .288 batting average. While his numbers aren't quite as gaudy as some of the other major leaguers on this list, O'Neill played with a passion unmatched by most. He could often be seen taking out his frustration on water coolers in the dugout and was labeled as a "warrior" by George Steinbrenner. And don't forget, he's also a five-time All-Star and World Series champion (four with the Yankees, one with the Reds).

14. Borje Salming

A defenseman for the Maple Leafs and Red Wings starting in the early 1970's, Salming was "The King" well before LeBron was even born. One of the first Europeans to head west for the NHL, Salming holds the NHL record for most career points by an undrafted defenseman (787) and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996.

13. Dominique Wilkins

Wilkins, otherwise known as "The Human Highlight Film," is responsible for some of the most egregious acts of posterization of all time. While he is probably most well-known for his dunk contest showdowns against Michael Jordan -- Wilkins is a two-time champ -- don't try to undermine his place in NBA history: He was a nine-time All-Star, is 11th on the all-time scoring list (26,668 points) and is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.

12. Bill Sharman

Sharman teamed with Bob Cousy in the 1950's to form one of the greatest backcourt duos in NBA history. A four-time NBA champion and eight-time All-Star with four All-NBA first team selections, Sharman ranks 11th all-time in free throw accuracy (88 percent). The Hall-of-Famer averaged 18 points per game for his career.

11. Charles Woodson

An eight-time Pro Bowler and seven-time All-Pro, Super Bowl champion and former Defensive Player of the Year, Woodson is one of the top cornerbacks in NFL history. The proof is in the numbers: He's 20th in all-time interceptions (54), 17th in interception yards (896) and second in interceptions returned for a touchdown (11).

10. Bob Lemon

Lemon is a seven-time 20-game winner, a seven-time All-Star and a two-time World Series champion with a 1948 no-hitter under his belt to boot. But his mark on the game goes beyond his 207 wins and career 3.23 ERA, Lemon was also an outstanding hitter. He's second all-time for pitchers (if you don't count Babe Ruth) with 37 career home runs.

9. Kevin Garnett

An NBA champion and gold medalist, Garnett has been dominating the league for 17 years now. The 2003-04 NBA MVP is a 14-time All-Star with nine All-NBA and 12 All-Defensive selections. He's 18th on the all-time scoring list (24,270 points) and 12th in rebounds (13,313). And, as many players around the league will attest, he's one of the premiere trash-talkers of his era.

8. Peter Forsberg

Forsberg was a force in his 19-year career (13 in the NHL), winning two Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche and four gold medals with Sweden, along with a multitude of individual honors, including the 2002-03 Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP. He's fourth all-time in assists per game (.889) and eighth in points per game (1.25).

7. LaDainian Tomlinson

Tomlinson was the definition of a workhorse: Third all-time in career touchdowns (162), fifth all-time in career rush yards (13,684) and holds the record for most overall touchdowns in a single season (31). He was the 2006 NFL MVP and a five-time Pro Bowler. And the man wasn't just one-dimensional as he threw seven touchdowns during his 11-year career.

6. Warren Spahn

With 363 wins (good for sixth all-time) and a career ERA of 3.09, Spahn is widely considered the best southpaw to ever pitch. The Warren Spahn Award is given each year to MLB's best left-handed
pitcher. Spahn won at least 20 games 13 times, including a stretch of five consecutive seasons. A 14-time All-Star who threw two no-hitters, Spahn became a World Series champion and Cy Young Award winner in 1957 as a member of the Milwaukee Braves.

5. Stan Mikita

A Stanley Cup champion and two-time NHL MVP, Mikita helped create and sustain the offensive juggernaut that was the Blackhawks of the 1960's. He led the NHL in scoring four times, was a nine-time All-Star and ranks 29th in career goals (541) and 31st in career playoff goals (59). His true claim to fame? A fictional donut shop named "Stan Mikita's Donuts" in the 1992 comedy "Wayne's World."

4. Roger Clemens

The Rocket wore No. 21 from his rookie season with the Red Sox through his tenure with the Blue Jays. He didn't win his first World Series until he was traded to the Yankees in 1999 and had to switch his number. But while wearing No. 21, Clemens won 233 games, five Cy Young awards, became the only pitcher to ever strike out 20 batters in a single game twice and won the AL MVP in 1986.

3. Deion Sanders

"Prime Time" was one of the most feared corners in NFL history (who also found some time to be an MLB outfielder). A perennial Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion, the 1996 Defensive Player of the Year ranks fourth in both career interception yards (1,331) and interceptions returned for a touchdown (9). Not convinced? He's also one of only two players in NFL history to score a touchdown in six different ways: Interception return, punt return, kickoff return, receiving, rushing and fumble recovery.

2. Tim Duncan

Nicknamed "The Big Fundamental," Duncan has quietly catapulted himself into the forefront of the "best power forward ever" discussion. With the help of a perfect low-post bank shot, Duncan is a four-time NBA champion with three Finals MVP's, a two-time NBA MVP, and a 13-time All-Star. And to think that he originally dreamed of being an Olympic swimmer.

1. Roberto Clemente

The Pirates right fielder assembled quite the resume during his 18-year career. Along with a .317 batting average and exactly 3,000 hits, he compiled 15 All-Star appearances and 12 Gold Gloves. He was a two-time World Series champion (series MVP in 1971) and the 1966 National League MVP. Even more impressive was his charity work off the field. Clemente died in an airplane crash
while en route to deliver relief supplies for earthquake victims in Nicaragua in 1972.

ThePostGame brings you the most interesting sports stories on the web.

Joel Allen was just 26 when he quit his job as a software developer to pursue his lifelong dream of inventing a get-rich-quick scheme.

Things didn't pan exactly as planned: He ran out of money, fell in love and found his calling as a carpenter.
But a brilliant new idea struck him. Allen could use his carpentry skills and materials gathered from Craigslist to build an incredible treehouse on government land in the wilds of British Columbia. He'd live for free in style, right in the middle of one of the most inflated housing markets in the world.

Allen's treehouse, Hemloft, has been featured on his blog and in Dwell magazine. We asked him to share his story and some pictures.

It all started with a dream of early retirement and unemployment. "I was formerly in software and I liked it, I was making good money," Allen told BI. But the business went belly-up in 2006 and he was forced to live off his savings. Now Allen had a new mission: Come up with a million-dollar idea and live large. But by the end of 2007, he was living in his car.

Reality hit hard in the spring of 2008. "I was left penniless, at the crossroads of returning to software, or trying something new," Allen said. But a chance meeting with a "magical-looking character" named Old Man John turned Allen on to carpentry. "He was living the life that I had been pining after," Allen wrote on his site. And "I wanted his ability to construct whatever creative idea came to mind."

Allen's dad had built their family home, but his son didn't know a single thing about carpentry. Pressed to find employment and learn the skill quickly, he gave himself a one-week intensive course in carpentry by building a shed for his parents that was an exact replica of their home. The 12-hour workdays paid off: Within a week Allen had landed a job working on a multi-million dollar home overlooking Alta Lake.

Another chance encounter with a laborer nicknamed "Free Range Ryan" got Allen interested in "sport sleeping," a game where players compete to find the craziest place to sleep. Allen had been mulling over the idea of building a treehouse to keep the game going, but wanted something "a bit more elegant."

Summer of 2008 was spent roaming Whistler for hours in search of the perfect tree to erect the treehouse on. Allen made a list of requirements: The tree should be serene, close to a road and running water, proportionate to the treehouse, and in tune with its design. It also needed a view.

Once Allen found his tree, it was time to get to work. He had to be discreet about it though, this was government land. He wasn't afraid of getting arrested, but didn't want to chance it either. So he carefully listened for traffic and pretended to check his car's hubcaps. "I kept forging ahead, hoping no one would find it," he said. "It was pretty much a road that nobody ever used except residents."

As a carpenter, Allen knew what to toss and what could be reused. Among his finds were a double-glass sliding door (valued at $400), ash hardwood floor (worth $1,500) and clear cedar without any knots.

Allen liked the idea, but worried what would happen if strangers (and the government) found out. "I had two options: I could rent a pit bull and a shotgun and neurotically circle the premises for the next ten years of my life, OR … I could just not care, and welcome whatever curious prospectors wander in my direction," he wrote. He decided to throw caution to the wind ...

MORE FROM THE WEB

follow

While Kentucky's Anthony Davis is considered a can't-miss lock for the first pick in Thursday's NBA draft, there are plenty of men who came before who seemed like decent bets for great success. While superstars have emerged from the first pick, and most wind up with noteworthy careers, there's always a chance they'll be failures, relative to their draft status. This is a list of the guys that had the most trouble living up to the hype.

1989 - Pervis Ellison - Kings

"Never Nervous Pervis" was a force for Louisville, winning Most Outstanding Player while leading his team to the national title in 1986. The Kings took him with the first pick, but he saw limited action his rookie year due to injury. Danny Ainge went so far as to change his nickname to "Out of Service Pervis." Injuries hampered Ellison throughout his career, limiting his career totals to 9.6 ppg and 6.7 rpg.

1995 - Joe Smith - Warriors

Smith was the College Player of the Year at Maryland in 1995, and was selected No. 1 overall by the Warriors that same year. Smith became the definition of a journeyman in his NBA career, playing for 11 different clubs in his 15 years as a pro. Smith finished his career averaging 10.9 ppg, and only played more than 70 games in a season six times.

1998 - Michael Olowokandi - Clippers

Long before the days of Lob City, the Clippers were known for their head-scratching personnel decisions. Drafting Olowokandi first overall was chief among them. Olowokandi was a force at small Pacific University, but those skills did not translate to the NBA. He averaged double-digits in scoring only twice during his career and never blocked more than 2.2 shots per season. He retired after the 06-07 season, finishing his career with 8.3 ppg and 1.4 blocks per.

2000 - The entire draft class

Just take a look the first five picks: Kenyon Martin, Stromile Swift, Darius Miles, Marcus Fizer and Mike Miller. Woof. Widely considered as the worst NBA Draft of all time. Only three of the picks even made it to an All-Star Game (Martin, Jamaal Magloire, Michael Redd). Only 9 of the 58 picks ended up with double-digit scoring totals for their pro careers.

2001 - Kwame Brown - Wizards

Quite possibly the poster child for NBA draft busts. Brown was selected straight out of high school and can be viewed as a cautionary tale about going pro too soon. He was viewed by many as not being mature enough at the time, and it showed. He has spent most of his career feuding with teammates and getting in trouble with the law. Currently on his seventh NBA team, Brown has averaged a mere 6.8 ppg thus far.

2007 - Greg Oden - Trailblazers

Oden was an absolute monster while at Ohio State and was everyone's consensus number one pick. Unfortunately for Oden (and Portland) he has spent more time in the operating room than on the court. Numerous knee surgeries have all but ended his career and he is currently without a team. While he is still only 24, many wonder if his body will allow him to dominate in the NBA.

Players taken after Oden: Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Joakim Noah.

Did we miss anyone? Were we too harsh on a player's career? Let us know in the comments.

ThePostGame brings you the most interesting sports stories on the web.

Elgin Baylor

While a junior at Seattle University, Baylor led the Chieftains (now the Redhawks) to the school's only Final Four appearance in 1958. Baylor's squad fell to Kentucky 84-72 in the final, but that did not take away from his remarkable tournament performance. With 135 points in five games, Baylor was awarded the tournament's MOP Award. One month later, he was drafted first overall by the Minneapolis Lakers. Baylor's Hall of Fame career included 23,149 points, 11,463 rebounds and 11 All-Star Game appearances. But Baylor never won an NBA Championship.

Assuming the universe remains intact by Thursday night, Anthony Davis will be a New Orleans Hornet. He will likely cap off a three-month period that will have seen him win the NCAA Most Outstanding Player Award and become the first overall pick in the NBA Draft.

Davis would not be the first to accomplish this feat. A total of 12 players before him have won NCAA Tournament MOP Awards and been first overall draft picks. Of those players, Davis is in some pretty good company: Eight are Hall of Famers.

Don't look down. But if you're wearing "mandals" (or dating someone who does), you need to read this. Mandals are -- you guessed it -- man sandals. As one of the ultimate first world problems, man sandals are extremely difficult to do right, unless you are totally comfortable looking like a camp counselor, river guide or frequenter of music festivals.

We scoured the web in search of the best and worst mandals around. We hope this list helps you avoid being confused with Ug from "Salute Your Shorts."

Don't: The Grunge Factor

Even when Dr. Martens were cool, we're pretty certain Kurt Cobain and Chris Cornell weren't donning the sandal version. Not only do they weigh down your feet with the bulky rubber sole, there's barely enough ventilation for even a mild summer day. You don't want your sandals to be slingback hiking shoes.

Don’t: Support System

We’re not knocking the classic look of rubber flip-flops, which are welcome by the pool or on the beach. But when they're flat and flimsy, rubber flip-flops can wreak havoc on your feet. Invest in a pair with some cushioning and arch support, which we'll get to in the "do's."

Don't: The Italian Job

If you're not an Italian businessman, please avoid narrow, leather numbers that could be described as "handsome." Girgio Brutini does make some fine shoes, but this pair doesn't belong on this side of the Atlantic, unless you are Cesare Prandelli on holiday in Montauk.

Don't: Unhappy Camper

Unless you really are spending your summer as a white water rafting guide, chances are, shoes like this are unnecessary. (But if you are a rafting guide, we salute you, brave sir.) For those of you just looking for cushioning and support, you might as well wear a good pair of sneakers and some breathable cotton socks.

Do: Flip-Flop in Style

Reefs are known for combining cushioning with support, which means you could probably get away with wearing these flip-flops to the ballpark -- though they won't protect you from that guy who inevitably fails to catch the foul ball. The sole of this pair is made to dry fast, so they're great for poolside or seaside.

Do: New Neutrals

Every dude at your local pub will be wearing black, brown or tan flip-flops. Yawn. Charcoal is unexpected and makes this pair of Calvin Klein's almost, dare we say, striking? As striking as a pair of flip-flops can be.

Do: Go Californian

Rainbow makes a great pair of flip-flops, but if you need to step it up to something a little more formal, their hemp slip-ons are a nice alternative to your office footwear. Paired with some classic chinos or slim fit jeans, you could get away with these at your company barbecue.

MORE FROM THE WEB

follow

1. Pull-Ups

The pull-up is an amazing way to strengthen your upper back, trapezius muscles, shoulders and abs. If you really want to train like an MMA fighter, you have to be able to perform many, many pull-ups. (Quick review: pull-ups involve your palms facing away from your body. Chin-ups, which are easier, involve your palms facing toward your body.) If you have trouble doing even one—with good form, meaning smooth and under control, not relying on momentum—don’t worry. They’re hard. Build up your back muscles with bent-over rows and lat pulldowns. Then move on to assisted pull-ups, chin-ups and finally the real deal.

MORE FROM THE WEB

follow

Gentlemen, just because you're going to the beach doesn't mean you can get away with an utterly uninspired daily combo of board shorts and undershirts. Whether you're jet setting with your significant other or hoping to find one on your travels, why not put a little effort into your warm weather look? We promise you she'll appreciate it.

On The Plane

Just because you're sitting in coach doesn't mean you need to look like you're going home after your first year of college. Everyone (even men) can get chilly on planes, so layering is key. Try a patterned hoodie in an oceanic hue over a neutral tee and khakis or your softest -- but not holeyest -- jeans. We love this striped burnout hoodie from Billabong.

The Perfect Tee

OK, so you've been a slave to the gym all spring in anticipation of your beach trip. We hate to break it to you, but you can't go shirtless everywhere. Whether you're migrating from your hotel room to the pool or from the tiki bar to the buffet, you'll need a breathable tee that goes with your swim trunks, favorite lounge shorts and jeans. Try this v-neck from Alternative Apparel in a range of neutral hues.

The Short List

If you're feeling alone in your confusion over shorts, don't. Shorts pose problems for every guy who's stylish enough to stay away from cargos but perhaps not built like Brad Pitt. Most beach vacations will call for something a step up from swim trunks and a step down from slacks, so take this advice from AskMen.com, "Avoid anything with cargo pockets or other details that will visually bulk you up. Instead, select a pair with a classic flat-front cut that skims your body but has some breathing room, falls to your knees, and comes in a neutral color." You really can't go wrong with this pair from Banana Republic, whether you're on the golf course or walking through town in search of duty-free tequila.

Get Colorful

You'll need some color to go with your neutral shorts, and to show the locals you're not some buttoned up city boy. Cobalt blue, shocking green and even shades of purple can wake up your look. The bold and the brave can try this lilac Ralph Lauren polo, paired with your shorts or some slim-fit khakis. Other colors to try (hey, you're on vacation) are cobalt blue, grass green and even a rum punch red.

Reasons to Keep Your Pants On

While we're feeling bold, why not throw some bright pants in the mix to ensure you stand out amongst the crowd of beige and white on the cruise ship? Bold bottoms are best kept for those fortunate enough to be blessed with a lean waistline, so if that's not you, never fear. These sun-faded red Tommy Hilfiger chinos also come in navy and khaki. Pair them with a clean white tee or crisp button-down.

Trunk Time

In the last year or so, vintage-style trunks (think "Moondoggie") began challenging the longer board shorts that have been in style for so long. If your quads are stage- worthy, we say go for it. But for everyone else, there's nothing wrong with sticking to board shorts, as long as you find a contemporary pattern with a bit more edge than those ubiquitous Hawaiian flowers. We love the color options -- and price -- for these trunks from Zara.

Get Shady

Now that your body is covered, it's time for your eyes. Ray-Ban Wayfarers aren't going anywhere anytime soon, and that's OK. They're as timeless a navy suit. But the folks at Details offer a well-edited array of alternatives. Try this pair that combines the trendiness of plastic frames with the timeless shape of aviators.

Mug Shot

Sorry to sound like your mom, but you can't forget sunblock. Nothing is less sexy at dinner after a long day in the surf than a lobster red face. Protect your lovely mug with a nice, non-greasy lotion that keeps the burn, and the oily shine, at bay. This stuff is so good, you'll have to hide it from your girlfriend.

Sole of the Matter

We would never tell you to leave your precious flip flops out behind. But, please, toss in an alternative pair of footwear for cocktails at the resort’s patio bar. GQ is recommending boat shoes this season – but not these aren’t your grandpa’s. Bid farewell to tired plaid, navy or beige and go for scene-stealing stripes or even a shot of neon. This pair from Cole Haan would be welcome on our boat. Not only is the yellow sole unexpected, your feet welcome the Nike Air technology hidden in the shoe.

There you have it. You won't need anything else this summer but a good time. Now get it together and get out the door.

It was these nine female professional tennis players who rebelled against the United States Lawn Tennis Association (USLTA) and later set up the Virginia Slims Circuit which went on to become the WTA Tour. They revolted against the extreme inequality in the amount of prize money paid to male tennis players and to female tennis players.

Prior to the establishment of the association, male and female tennis players were treated quite differently in terms of the prize money they received.

As per reports, at the first open tournament, the 1968 British Hardcourt Championships held in Bournemouth, men's singles champion Ken Rosewall earned $2,400 while the female winner received only $720.

The situation was very similar during the second Grand Slam tournament of the open era, when male winners received more money than their female counterparts. The situation became worse in 1970 when tournaments offered four times more prize money to men than they did to women.

To end this inequality, the nine tennis players started a campaign aiming to reduce the inequality between the prize money purses for men and women.

Although the team met with many failures during their initial attempts, they were eventually allowed to set up their own tour of eight professional tournaments in 1970. This independent women's professional tennis circuit provided more equal prize money than had been provided previously by the USLTA and other organizations.

Despite the USLTA's suspension of the "Original 9" from its tournaments, by the end of the year the Virginia Slims Circuit reportedly was able to boost its numbers from nine to forty members, which helped pave the way for the first annual Virginia Slims Circuit in 1971.

Start the slideshow to catch a glimpse of some rare undated pictures of the "Original Nine" along with their recent images at the 40th Family Circle Cup tennis tournament.

The ‘Original Nine’ WTA Starters

Members of the "Original Nine" are seen in this undated handout photo released to Reuters April 7, 2012. Back row (L-R): Valerie Ziegenfuss, Billie Jean King, Nancy Richey, Jane "Peaches" Bartkowicz, Kristy Pigeon. Front row (L-R): Judy Tegart Dalton, Kerry Melville Reid, Rosemary "Rosie" Casals and Gladys Heldman, mother of Julie Heldman. The "Original Nine" are the founding members of the Women's Tennis Association. The photo was originally taken nearly 40 years ago.

The Original Nine, +40 Years

Members of the "Original Nine" are seen in this undated handout photo released to Reuters April 7, 2012. Back row (L-R): Valerie Ziegenfuss, Billie Jean King, Nancy Richey, Jane "Peaches" Bartkowicz, Kristy Pigeon. Front row (L-R): Judy Tegart Dalton, Kerry Melville Reid, Rosemary "Rosie" Casals and Julie Heldman, daughter of Gladys Heldman. The "Original Nine" are the founding members of the Women's Tennis Association. This photo was the recreation of a photo originally taken nearly 40 years ago.

Side By Side

Members of the "Original Nine" are seen in this combination of undated handout photos taken 40 years ago (top) and later, released to Reuters April 7, 2012. In the top picture: Back row (L-R): Valerie Ziegenfuss, Billie Jean King, Nancy Richey, Jane "Peaches" Bartkowicz, Kristy Pigeon. Front row (L-R): Judy Tegart Dalton, Kerry Melville Reid, Rosemary "Rosie" Casals and Gladys Heldman, mother of Julie Heldman. Julie Heldman sat at the same spot occupied by her mother 40 years ago in the bottom picture. The "Original Nine" are the founding members of the Women's Tennis Association.

Casals and King

Rosemary "Rosie" Casals (L) and Billie Jean King talk about the 40 year history of the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament and what it has meant to women's tennis in Charleston, South Carolina April 7, 2012. Both Casals and King were part of the "Original Nine", founders of the women's professional circuit.

Casals and King, Pt. II

Rosemary "Rosie" Casals (L) and Billie Jean King talk about the 40 year history of the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament and what it has meant to women's tennis in Charleston, South Carolina April 7, 2012. Both Casals and King were part of the "Original Nine", founders of the women's professional circuit.

Governor Haley Honors the Nine

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (front C) address the crowd as she recognizes the "Original Nine", founders of the women's professional tennis circuit, during a special presentation of the 40th anniversary of the women's professional tennis association at the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament in Charleston, South Carolina April 7, 2012.

High Five

Billie Jean King (R) high-fives members of the "Original Nine", who started the Women's Tennis Association, at the 40th anniversary of the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament in Charleston, South Carolina April 7, 2012.

MORE FROM THE WEB

follow

On Friday and Saturday, the 2012 NHL Draft will put more 200 of the top hockey prospects around the world into NHL hands. Some will be hits, some will be busts and some will just be pretty darn average choices.

For teams scrambling to find last-minute draft choices, maybe a look at Wednesday night's NHL Awards winners would be a start. When were all of these NHL stars selected?

Evgeni Malkin: Hart, Lindsay Trophies

The 2011-12 MVP and Most Outstanding Player of the Pittsburgh Penguins narrowly missed the top spot of the 2004 draft. The Washington Capitals decided on a different Russian with the first choice: Alexander Ovechkin. With two Harts and three Lindsays already for Ovechkin, the Capitals are not exactly kicking themselves in the shins. But Malkin does have one big thing Alexander the Great lacks: A Stanley Cup title.

Henrik Lundqvist: Vezina Trophy

The league's top goaltender was a relatively unknown 18-year-old Swede in 2000 when the Rangers made him a seventh-round pick, 205th overall. King Henrik played his first five professional seasons in Sweden, before making his Big Apple debut in 2005. Now, 252 wins later, the pick appears well worth the wait. As for some of the top goalies drafted before Lundqvist, ninth overall pick Brent Krahn and 45th overall pick Mathieu Chouinard have played in one total NHL game each, 60th overall pick Dan Ellis has never played more than 44 games in a season and Ilya Bryzgalov currently runs a circus on Broad Street. Oh, and first overall pick Rick DiPietro ... he's played in 47 games over the past four seasons but still has nine years left on his 15-year deal. And people wonder why Islanders fans are bitter.

Erik Karlsson, Norris Trophy

A draft day trade landed the 15th pick in the Senators' hands, as Ottawa fans anxiously watched events unfold at Scotiabank Place. Steven Stamkos, a 2012 Hart Trophy finalist, was taken with the first overall pick. After Stamkos, six defensemen were chosen from picks 2-14. At the 15th slot, the Senators still felt they could scrape out defensive talent in 18-year-old Swede Karlsson, this season's top defenseman. Among the six defensemen selected before Karlsson, only Drew Doughty of the Kings has been a Norris Trophy finalist.

Gabriel Landeskog, Calder Memorial Trophy

Like Lundqvist and Karlsson, Landeskog was an 18-year-old Swede when the Avalanche drafted him second overall last year. Unlike Lundqvist and Karlsson, Landeskog wasted no time making his NHL debut. The winger started his rookie-of-the-year campaign just months after draft day. Landeskog's 52 points were tied for the most among rookies in 2011-12. As for the one player drafted before Landeskog, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins -- he was the other rookie with 52 points. For now, it is too early to judge the 2011 draft class.

Patrice Bergeron, Selke Trophy

In a star-studded draft (14 All-Stars were taken in the first round), this season's top defensive forward slipped to the second round at 45th overall. Although all 30 first-round draft choices of 2003 reached the NHL, it is hard to argue there was not a spot for a member of the Triple Gold Club (Olympic gold medal, World Championships gold medal and Stanley Cup).

Max Pacioretty, Masterton Trophy

Pacioretty, winner of the award for the "player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication" is a bright spot from a very weak draft. Of the 211 players drafted, only three players, first overall pick Patrick Kane, ninth pick Logan Couture and 129th pick Jamie Benn have been named to All-Star Games. Pacoretty's career is on the rise, though, as he recovered from a vicious Zdeno Chara hit in 2011 that ended his season to post 65 points in 2011-12.

Brian Campbell, Lady Byng

The Panthers defenseman, winner of the 2011-12 award for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability, was a sixth-round draft choice of the Buffalo Sabres in 1997. Despite the low draft choice, Campbell has enjoyed a successful career of a Stanley Cup title, four All-Star appearances and 365 total points. Campbell has proven he is not your everyday sixth-round defenseman.

Daniel Alfredsson, King Clancy Trophy

One of the NHL's greatest stars in the past 15 years and this year's top humanitarian, Alfresson was not viewed as a top player at the 1994 draft. While most scouts were skeptical of the Swede, John Ferguson of the Senators' front office convinced Ottawa to pull the trigger on him in the sixth round. Alfredsson is the only member of the 1994 class to have more than 1,000 points (1,082).

Mike Fisher, NHL Foundation Award

Six years before Carrie Underwood auditioned for "American Idol", the Predators center was a second-round pick of the Senators in 1998. Fisher was coming off just a 49-point season in the Ontario Hockey League, and he did not appear to have first-round talent. The center stayed in the OHL one more season, posting 106 points to make his naysayers groan. He has had a steady NHL career, scoring between 32 and 53 points in each of the last seven seasons. Centers the Senators passed on to take Fisher: Brad Richards and Pavel Datsyuk. The NHL Foundation Award is given to the player "who applies the core values of hockey -- commitment, perseverance and teamwork -- to enrich the lives of people in his community."

Shane Doan, Mark Messier Leadership Award

1995: Seventh overall.
Doan, drafted by the Winnipeg Jets (now the Phoenix Coyotes), watched six teams miss out on his 788 career points. Bryan Berard was the first overall pick by the Senators, and he was immediately traded to the Islanders in a deal that sent second overall pick Wade Redden to Ottawa. Berard experienced a short-lived mediocre career, while Redden hit a short-lived prime and has spent the last two seasons in the AHL. Third pick Aki Berg and sixth pick Steve Kelly both had very short careers, as well. But Doan may not have been the top player available at No. 7. Jarome Iginla, a career 1,073-point scorer, was drafted 11th overall. The Mark Messier Leadership Award is given to the "individual who leads by positive example through on-ice performance, motivation of team members and a dedication to community activities and charitable causes."

ThePostGame brings you the most interesting sports stories on the web.